MARCH, 2010
I often make a lot of my Norwegian roots, on my mother’s side. I am proud of that part of my heritage also. But between me and Dana this household just oozes Irish during March. While many of you may celebrate/observe St. Patrick’s Day in one way or another, a visit to our home will show that we decorate for “St. Patrick’s month”. Shamrock décor is everywhere. Green M&Ms may be found in a snack bowl. You get the picture.
Now St. Patrick was a notable Christian. Born c.A.D.387, in Roman Britain to a wealthy family, he was kidnapped and hauled off to Ireland at the age of 14. After 6 years of slavery he escaped and made his way safely home. There he “entered the Church” and was eventually ordained a bishop. He then returned to Ireland to convert the pagans to Christianity. He also had to stand against the Pelagian heresy of that day. He ministered there until his death in the latter half of the 5th century, having led many kings and peasants to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He purportedly used the shamrock (three-leafed clover) to illustrate the Holy Trinity to people as part of his explanation of Christianity.
Those with Irish heritage today also love the shamrock as a symbol of their “Irishness“. Unfortunately it has come to be associated with “the luck of the Irish”. I believe the concept of ”luck” is not consistent with Christian belief. The Bible makes it very clear in many places that God is omniscient, He knows everything; omnipotent, all powerful; omnipresent, everywhere at the same time.
Thus, we know that nothing can take place randomly, or outside of His sphere of knowledge, presence, or power. As I like to say, “God never has to say “oops!”, or “I didn’t see that coming.” What the world wants to call “good luck” is really God’s benign providence. “Bad luck” may be God’s just judgment, or just a general consequence of living in a sin-stained world. To accept the concept of random luck, or chance, is to fall short of knowing and appreciating the magnificent holiness and majesty of God.
St. Patrick had been taken captive as a youth, and lived as a slave for about 6 years. It was not bad luck. I would even say it was not just a consequence of living in a fallen world. Rather I see it as God Almighty, in His love for the Irish people, preparing young Patrick for a life of fruitful ministry among the Celts. There are times when trials, hardships, and tragedies in our lives can be used by God to equip us for fruitful ministry to others. I have read current accounts of various pastors and other believers of our time around the world who have been imprisoned for their faith by governments that are openly opposed to the one true God and His Church. Though many of these pastors and laymen have suffered greatly throughout their imprisonments, God has used them to reach other prisoners and even some of their guards with the Gospel of deliverance through Jesus Christ. These would have been people those Christians may have never had access to otherwise.
Whether or not you choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, be mindful of his Christian faith and work, and give thanks for how the LORD used this man to reach a large number of people in a pagan land with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And keep looking for people you can share the Gospel with; even those who have not been very nice to you. Pastor John
